Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound from hallucinogenic mushrooms, is known for therapeutic potential in psychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions, but its molecular mechanisms are unclear. This study provides the first experimental evidence that psilocin, the active metabolite of psilocybin, extends cellular lifespan, and psilocybin treatment promotes increased longevity in aged mice. These findings suggest psilocybin may be a potent geroprotective agent, opening new avenues for aging research.
A small study compared mortality among prominent psychedelic personalities, researchers, and advocates who claimed psychedelic use (11 people) with cancer researchers (12 people) and aging researchers (5 people). All groups lived longer than the general population, which the authors attribute to socioeconomic advantage rather than psychedelic use. Psychedelic personalities did not outlive the other researcher groups. The findings underscore the need for rigorous mechanistic and epidemiological studies before inferring human anti-aging effects of psychedelics.